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Oral Surgery

Oral surgery is a broad term used to describe any surgical procedure performed on the teeth, gums, or jaw bone. It is a specialized dental practice that improves oral health, function, and/or appearance. Oral surgeons are not just surgeons; they are often dentists who have undergone additional schooling and training after dental school to become qualified in surgical operations.

At Castle Dental, our comprehensive dental care services include oral surgery procedures and treatments from highly qualified specialists like periodontists, prosthodontists, and endodontists who operate using the most advanced medicine and technology. Whether they’re due to trauma, a preexisting condition, or simply problems that develop over time, oral surgery from Castle Dental can help alleviate and repair complex dental issues so you can enjoy a lifetime of good health. 

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What dental specialties are trained in oral surgery?

Oral surgery can be performed by several dental specialties, including general dentists, and can include everything from wisdom teeth removal to dental implants. Please note that some procedures may be performed by multiple specialties.

Periodontists

Primary focus: Treatment of gum disease

Common procedures performed by a periodontist:

  • Gum grafts cover exposed tooth roots caused by gum disease.
  • Dental implants are tiny metal screws that are implanted directly into the jaw bone to replace teeth that have been removed or fallen out. The screws are capped by artificial teeth to restore the appearance and function of a natural smile.
  • Tooth extraction is necessary to remove severely damaged or decayed teeth, teeth from severely infected gums, or to prepare the mouth for dental implants. 

Prosthodontists

Primary focus: Tooth replacement

Common procedures performed by a prosthodontist:

  • Dental implants replace one or multiple teeth
  • Tooth extraction may be necessary to prepare the mouth for dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
  • Bone grafting is a treatment that addresses the deterioration of the jaw bone and is often performed in preparation for implants.

Endodontists

Primary focus: Treatment of dental pulp and preservation of natural teeth

Common procedures performed by an endodontist: root canal, apicoectomy, tooth extraction

  • Root canals remove infected dental pulp from a tooth. This treatment is performed by drilling into the top of the tooth, removing the abscessed tissue, then sealing off the tooth.
  • Apicoectomies also remove abscessed tissue from the pulp of the tooth, but by going through the gums and roots on the side of the tooth instead of the top. 
  • Tooth extraction removes severely decayed or infected teeth. 

Maxillofacial Surgeons 

Primary focus: Treatment of facial trauma or skeletal abnormalities

Common procedures: 

  • Facial reconstruction repairs congenital defects like cleft lip/ palate or reconstruction after an injury.
  • Corrective jaw surgery can be performed to correct alignment issues causing TMJ disorders or to restructure the palate to treat sleep apnea. 

What are common reasons for oral surgery?

There are a number of reasons why you may need oral surgery, such as:

  • Abscess or infection of the pulp or root of the tooth
  • Infected empty socket left by the removal of a tooth  
  • Injury to nerve endings resulting in pain
  • Damage to prior dental work
  • Dental injury resulting from an accident
  • Treatment of an overbite, underbite, or other malocclusions
  • Congenital birth defects
  • Impacted, infected, or crowded wisdom teeth

What should you expect during oral surgery?

Prior to scheduling your operation, your oral surgeon or specialist will take a detailed look at the structure of your mouth using x-rays and other advanced scans. It is important for your doctor to know where your roots meet the jaw bone, where your nerve endings and blood vessels are located, and any other issues they may come across during surgery.

Your dentist, oral surgeon, or specialist will also discuss a sedation plan with you. The type of sedation necessary will largely depend on the type of procedure and if you have any severe anxiety regarding it. Whether your oral surgery takes place in your dentist’s office or a hospital, comfort, pain management, and your wellness are priorities so your sedation plan may include one or a combination of the following:

  • Local Anesthetic. Numbing medicine is delivered to the soft tissue surrounding the tooth and area to be treated or operated on. This is given via an injection that usually feels like a pinch and works within seconds or minutes. 
  • Nitrous oxide. Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide slows down the body and brain’s responses. This lessens pain, causes relaxation and calmness, and occasionally, induces a feeling of silliness, hence the nickname. Nitrous oxide is a great option for patients who suffer from anxiety regarding dental procedures in general. 
  • Intravenous Sedation. This form of sedation introduces medication directly into the bloodstream. It can be delivered in small or large doses, works quickly, and can be controlled almost instantly.
  • General anesthesia. An anesthesiologist renders the patient unconscious for the duration of the procedure via an IV or oxygen mask.

Once you have been anesthetized properly, your surgeon or specialist will proceed with the oral surgery.

Your recovery time and protocols after oral surgery depend on the type of procedure performed. It is recommended that you have a companion to assist you at home after your oral surgery and help carry out any post-operative instructions such as picking up medications or making sure you get adequate rest. Good post-operative and recovery care is important to make sure you heal properly for better long-term health.

Is oral surgery expensive?

Oral surgery can be expensive, but it is also often necessary; without it, your condition could progress into decay, infection, tooth loss, or bone deterioration. That’s why, at Castle Dental, we don’t believe cost should prevent anyone from receiving the critical oral surgery care they need.

Depending on the type of procedure and your unique situation, dental insurance may cover part or all of the costs, and Castle Dental accepts most major dental plans. Uninsured patients can take advantage of our OneSmile Dental Plan, which provides members with discounts on all dental services, or ask about our low-interest financing and flexible payment plans, all designed to help you afford necessary treatment. You deserve a healthy, beautiful smile, and we’ll do everything we can to accommodate every patient we can.

Safe, Affordable Oral Surgery at Castle Dental

No matter the reason for your oral surgery, Castle Dental is here to help restore your smile and protect your dental health. We understand oral surgery can be intimidating, so that’s why everyone in our offices, from the staff to the specialists, works hard to make sure your experience with us is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. At Castle Dental, you can be confident you’re receiving the best care possible at a price you can afford.

Call Castle Dental today to schedule an appointment or set up a consultation. You can also visit us online to set up an appointment at the location nearest you.